Think Tank: Dane Atherton says we should aim for the 2028 Olympics

WHY stop with the Commonwealth Games? Harcourts Coastal managing director Dane Atherton believes we could go for the 2028 Olympics.

Managing Director of Harcourts Coastal, Dane Atherton , at his Broadbeach office. Picture Glenn Hampsony

WHY stop with the Commonwealth Games? Harcourts Coastal managing director Dane Atherton believes we could go for one better and bid for the 2028 Olympics.

When Dane Atherton landed his first job — prepping fillings at the old Zac’s Kebabs in Niecon Plaza — he had no idea he’d one day have a lucrative business of his own just 200m down the road. The managing director of Harcourts Coastal real estate called his first auction at the age of 19, and in 2013 was named Queensland Auctioneer of the Year. His franchise has risen through the ranks to be the number one Harcourts in Australia, employing 70 staff across two offices.

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What do you love about the Gold Coast?

“I truly believe that the lifestyle on the Gold Coast is world class and there is no place I would rather live and bring up my family.

“We moved to the Gold Coast over 30 years ago when I was seven and we fell in love with the amazing coastal lifestyle this great city has to offer.

“What I love is the fact that you can enjoy stunning beaches all year round with the most divine climate on the planet and still have access to such great infrastructure and a great professional environment as well.

“But most of all I love the people. I love the fact that as Gold Coasters we all share a passion for our city and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

What do you think could be done better on the Gold Coast?

“We should play to our strengths. The obvious driver for our economy is tourism which of course underpins so many other industries on the Coast.

“Noticeably I have witnessed an increase in major conventions and events on the Coast and building on this as an example has major direct and peripheral benefits.

“I think more can be done to attract, support and promote major events and conventions in the region which has massive benefits to the community and economy.”

In your travels, what have you seen being done elsewhere you think could work well here?

“I love the idea of defined city and neighbourhood precincts like we see in New York and San Francisco.

“I think the Gold Coast in its own way has established precincts that have emerged and it would be exciting to see these areas really developed to their full potential.

“I think it’s good to have places that are known for a certain thing — like you have the financial district in New York and all the other different boroughs.

“When you look at areas such as Southport, Main Beach, Surfers, Broadbeach, Burleigh and Robina to name a few all of these precincts have their own characteristics and communities.

“I think we should encourage each area to enhance its identity.

“For example, we could move more government services to Southport to reinvent the CBD which will be much needed as many in the medical industry moves out of Southport to the new Hospital.”

If money, laws, time and approvals were no issue, what is one big project you’d undertake tomorrow?

“Many have already said it in this column but it’s a no-brainer — linking the light rail system to the existing heavy rail line is a must.

“We have come this far and it is imperative that this project is fully connected.

“Making sure that when you get off a train, it doesn’t just come to a grinding halt, you’ve actually got a connection.

“Otherwise you’re just taking people from a to b instead of bringing people down from Brisbane and connecting it right through.

“It would be great pre-Commonwealth Games.”

What conversations should Gold Coast movers and shakers be having?

“The Gold Coast is about to be put on the world stage like never before with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching.

“The question of how can we make the most of this opportunity as a community is an essential one to ask.

“If we are capable of hosting the Commonwealth Games, what else are we capable of?

“This event has the potential to be a real turning point for our city and once the world witnesses what Gold Coasters can achieve the possibilities are spectacular.

“I like the sound of Gold Coast 2028 for the Olympics. Why not? Let’s think big.”

CHECKLIST:

- Extend the light rail

- Gold Coast Olympics bid

- Standalone cruise ship terminal

- Encourage special city precincts